Make a date … commemorate Women's Health Month 
The Maui County Committee on the Status of Women invites girls and women to relax into a Women's Health Month event - or revel in them all - as they are all promote fitness of the body, mind and spirit throughout September. We pay special attention to women's and girls health because, as females, we are often so busy caring for others that we make insufficient time to eat right, rest well, and exercise regularly. Women are caregivers all through the lifespan, and with so many depending upon us for reminders to take their daily vitamins, we deserve a month of events devoted to reminding us to pay homage to our own fitness, health and wellbeing. In this spirit, read on to find health-related events to suit your health needs, interests, and style, and information you might need to better meet your own needs, as well as the needs of your significant others. 
All Month
Create compassionate connections in Sept. 
When we enter relationships, we tend to romanticize about the good days to follow, right? We see marriage as a bed covered in rose petals - never anticipating the thorns. Pregnancy brings visions of smiling babies - until we are stunned by a temper tantrum. Our friends will weather every storm with us. Then what's up with the high divorce rate? Why do we argue, fuss and fight? What is the secret of everlasting relationships? Licensed clinical psychologist Marielis Jepson, Psy.D. specializes in helping women and families examine thinking patterns so that they can take responsibility for feelings and communicate in ways that foster good will and respect. There is hope for those who want to maximize harmony over hegemony (domination, power, control). In observance of Women's Health Month, Dr. Jepson will offer free consultations by appointment for groups of up to four individuals, including family groups. Call 877-7344 for more information or to schedule an appointment; or email drmjepson@hotmail.com.

Go Red For Women! Learn about the American Heart Association's new heart health initiative for women and take advantage of free blood pressure screenings and stroke assessments throughout September. Go Red helps women understand and track their risk factors, including weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. Make an appointment during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Cameron Center in Wailuku. Call 244-7185 for more information. Go Red! 

Free breast and cervical cancer screenings - Free mammograms and pap tests are available all through Sept. at Planned Parenthood of Hawaii-Maui Clinic at 140 Ho'ohana Street, Kahului, Suite 303. Call 871-1176 for an appointment. 

Make that date to vaccinate - The Hawai'i Immunization Program of the Hawaii State Department of Health helps prevent diseases such as whooping cough, measles, hepatitis B, chickenpox, tetanus, pneumonia, and influenza through vaccination. Many of these diseases are commonly thought of as childhood diseases but may also occur later in adolescent or adult years. For more information, call the DOH at 984-8200. Neighbor islanders may call 1-800-933-4832 toll-free. Medicare recipients may present their Medicare Part B cards to receive a pneumonia shot at no cost. Monday through Friday. In Hana call 248-8294; on Molokai, call 553-5353; on Lanai call 565-6423; in Lahaina, Kahului and Wailuku, call 871-7772.

FATE by appointment - First Aid To Epilepsy (FATE) & Seizure Control - Receive information on epilepsy and seizures by appointment. Call Glenn Mabson at 270-1005 ext. 110 or 879-8999 to schedule.

Wednesday, Sept. 1
Pre-Natal Yoga - Expecting mothers practice hip-opening postures, deep breathing, 
relaxation and visualization in preparation for giving birth. Classes are $15 for drop-in or $12 each with advance registration. Classes are scheduled for 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 6 at The Studio Maui at 810 Haiku Road in Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Thursday, Sept 2
Cutting-edge birth control options - Learn about the latest birth control guidelines and family planning straight out of the 2004 Contraceptive Technology Conference held in San Francisco, CA. This free seminar is scheduled for 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2 in Nursing Classroom 1, located across the courtyard from the Laulima building at Maui Community College. Those who register early will receive a free educational gift pack. The seminar will be conducted by Nurse Practitioner Denise Cohen, APRN. For more information, call the MCC Campus Health Center at 984-3493. 

Saturday, Sept 4
Studio Maui Open House - Free 45 minute classes introducing The Studio Maui's fall schedule of classes and workshops. Open House is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 4 at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Suggested donation is $10. Call 575-9390 for more information or visit The Studio Maui website at www.thestudiomaui.com www.thestudiomaui.com

Empowerment from Within: A Pelvic Floor Workshop for Women, Part I - How healthy is your pelvic floor? Learn why the "kegel" is not as effective as other strengthening exercises to improve strength and prevent or improve stress incontinence. Practice homework is assigned. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Physical Therapy for Women, 343-C Hanamau Street, Kahului. Call Jade Brown, MPT, at 873-6000 for more information.

Sunday, Sept. 5
Belly Dance - Adorn the body and move your hips in this belly dance class celebrating the body and the influence of multiple cultures. On-going Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road. Fee: $15 drop-in or $12 with pre-registration. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Monday, Sept. 6
Pre-Natal Yoga - Expecting mothers practice hip-opening postures, deep breathing, 
relaxation and visualization in preparation for giving birth. Classes are $15 for drop-in or $12 each with advance registration. Class is scheduled for 10 - 11:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 6 at The Studio Maui at 810 Haiku Road in Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Wise Women Dancing - Women 50+ gather to celebrate their knowledge and inspire each other through dance and dialogue. Free form class with no instruction and great music is also free of charge. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., ongoing Mondays throughout Sept. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Wednesday, Sept 8
Body Power - HMSA offers a three-part series on fitness to help participants develop a fitness plan that includes aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance training. The first session is set for 5:15 to 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the Maui Health Pass Center, 395-H Dairy Road, Kahului. Subsequent dates are Sept. 15 and 22. Free to HMSA members, and $35 for non-members based on openings. Pre-registration is required by calling 871-6295.

Thursday, Sept 9
Labyrinth Walk & Potluck - Join a walking meditation patterned after the 14th Century labyrinth at Chatres Cathedral near Paris, France. A 45-minute explanation and history of the labyrinth precedes the 30 minute healing walk. Potluck dinner will follow at 6 p.m. St. John's Church, 8992 Kula Hwy. Keokea, Kula. Thursday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Contact: The Rev. Heather Mueller Fitch at 878-1485. 

Unclog Your Brain - We clean our closets and unclog our drain to make way for the new. Why not do the same for your brain? Eliminate stress and make way for love with artist, writer and lecturer Pat Masumoto, author of the Healing Power of the Hawaiian Belly Laugh. This not-to-miss event takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Gallerie Ha, 51 N. Market Street, Wailuku. For more information call Pat at 244-3993 or 572-5050, or visit www.gallerieha.com.

Saturday, Sept. 11
Circles of Safety - This group provides support for sexual assault survivors and information on creating safety for mind, body and spirit. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11 at Child and Family Services, 333 Dairy Road, Suite 201, Kahului. Call group facilitator Cathy Hembd at 877-9824 for more information. 

Empowerment from Within: A Pelvic Floor Workshop for Women, Part II - After a week of practicing, participants are ready for advanced pelvic floor strengthening. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Physical Therapy for Women, 343-C Hanamau Street, Kahului. Call Jade Brown, MPT, at 873-6000 for more information.

Embracing Our Natural Life Cycles - Moonjay leads this course on Kundalini Yoga for Women. Participants learn simple exercises, breathing techniques, meditation and chanting to support the nervous system, glands, and regulate moods, menstrual, pre-menopausal and menopausal stress. 
Course fee is $15 for walk-ins or $12 with advance registration. 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11 at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Sunday, Sept. 12
Belly Dance - Adorn the body and move your hips in this belly dance class celebrating the body and the influence of multiple cultures. On-going Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road. Fee: $15 drop-in or $12 with pre-registration. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Monday, Sept. 13
Wise Women Dancing - Women 50+ gather to celebrate their knowledge and inspire each other through dance and dialogue. Free form class with no instruction and great music is also free of charge. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., ongoing Mondays throughout Sept. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 15
Body Power - HMSA's second of a three-part series to help participants develop a fitness plan that includes aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance training. The session is scheduled for 5:15 to 7:15 p.m., at the Maui Health Pass Center, 395-H Dairy Road, Kahului. Third and final session is Sept. 22. Free to HMSA members, and $35 for non-members based on openings. Pre-registration is required by calling 871-6295.

Thursday, Sept 16
Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter - Join the Alzheimer's Association for a video, discussion and information exchange from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 16 at 1063 Lower Main Street,Wailuku, Suite C-206. Call Jackie Glipa-Cruz at 242-8636 for more information.

Saturday, Sept 18
Qigong for Women - Integrative Qi-Gong Yoga to touch the heart of women with Joyanna Cotter to nourish yin and harmonizing energies utilizing breath and movement. Classes are on-going from 8 to 10 a.m., starting Saturday, Sept. 18 at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Cost per class is $15 for drop-ins or $12 with advance registration. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Clearing the Air for Our Community The Maui Tobacco-Free Partnership is thrilled to present this conference on second-hand smoke, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18. at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. Keynote speaker Richard Sargent will discuss a study that showed a dramatic decline in ER heart attacks during a 6-month period when the only change in the isolated community of Helena was a smoking ban! Cost: Free. Call Maui Tobacco-Free Partnership Project Coordinator Sandra McGuinness at 573-6554 for more information or to register.

Breast Cancer - what we need to know. Bring your grandmas, moms, sisters, aunties, daughters, granddaughters, and friends to learn about risk factors, screening, medical treatment options, and rehabilitation. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 at Physical Therapy for Women, 343-C Hanamau Street, Kahului. Cost: Free. Co-Sponsored by the Maui Medical Group. Presenters: Honey Marques, PA-C and Jade Brown, MPT. Call 873-6000 for information and to register.

Mothering Ourselves Yoga - Jennifer Lynn leads this course in yoga for women, which emphasizes balance, nurturance and discipline. The class is free and takes place from 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

In the Magic of the Women's Circle - Empowering workshop for women on opening to joy and helping women to heal, awaken and celebrate their innate powers and unique feminine qualities through meditations, Tantric practices, gentle touch, movement, energy work, and sharing.
Cost for half day workshop is $35 with pre-registration or $40 at the door. Workshop is set for 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Sunday, Sept. 19
Belly Dance - Adorn the body and move your hips in this belly dance class celebrating the body and the influence of multiple cultures. On-going Sundays 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road. Fee: $15 drop-in or $12 with pre-registration. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Monday, Sept. 20
Wise Women Dancing - Women 50+ gather to celebrate their knowledge and inspire each other through dance and dialogue. Free form class with no instruction and great music is also free of charge. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., ongoing Mondays throughout Sept. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Tuesday, Sept. 21
Quit today (tobacco cessation program) - Yes, you can be free of tobacco. Learn a few easy-to-use techniques that have been successful for many others in this 1-hour group appointment. Get a better understanding of your routines and habits related to smoking or chewing tobacco. Learn more about the effects of nicotine, identify your triggers and create a plan to help you deal with cravings. You will explore your options for breaking the addiction and leave with tools and knowledge to make this single most important change in your life. Due to confidentiality, only registered participants may attend. The class is set for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Kaiser Kihei Clinic, 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Suite 120, Kihei. The class is open to the general public at a cost of $25 for non-members and regular co-payment for Kaiser Permanente members. Call 891-6850 to pre-register.

Wednesday, Sept 22
Family Planning Clinic Tour for Teens - Protecting reproductive health and planning reproductive future are the goals of this informative experience recommended for girls age 12 and older. Learn what everyone needs to know to protect their reproductive health and plan their reproductive future. The event includes a tour of the clinic and information on how and when to use the clinic's family planning services. (Call to schedule a class for boys). Wednesday Sept. 29, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Upcountry Medical Center, 81-25 Makawao Avenue, Pukalani, Maui Call Family Planning Educator Joy Brann at 268-0130. 

Body Power - HMSA's third of a three-part series to help participants develop a fitness plan that includes aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance training. The session is set for 5:15 to 7:15 p.m., at the Maui Health Pass Center, 395-H Dairy Road, Kahului. Free to HMSA members, and $35 for non-members based on openings. Pre-registration is required by calling 871-6295.

Thursday, Sept 23
HELP! Am I in Menopause? - a free seminar on the latest recommendations on the pros and cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy, osteoporosis, and calcium replacement. The seminar is set for 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23 in Nursing Classroom 1, located across the courtyard from the Laulima building at Maui Community College. The seminar will be conducted by Nurse Practitioner Denise Cohen, APRN. To reserve your free educational gift pack or for more information, please call the MCC Campus Health Center at 984-3493.

Polishing the Mirror: Group Introduction to the Diamond Approach method of self-exploration 
Take this moment for self reflection to a deeper knowing of your true self guided by teacher-in-training Laine Sacco. Free and open to men and women. 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday and/or Friday, Sept. 23 and / or Sept. 24 at 1069 Kekaulike Ave., Kula. Call 878-6900 to register or send email to kularose@mauigateway.com

Saturday, Sept. 24
Polishing the Mirror: Group Introduction to the Diamond Approach method of self-exploration 
Take this moment for self reflection to a deeper knowing of your true self guided by teacher-in-training Laine Sacco. Free and open to men and women. 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday and/or Friday, Sept. 23 and / or Sept. 24 at 1069 Kekaulike Ave., Kula. Call 878-6900 to register or send email to kularose@mauigateway.com

Sunday, Sept. 25 
Belly Dance - Adorn the body and move your hips in this belly dance class celebrating the body and the influence of multiple cultures. On-going Sundays 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road. Fee: $15 drop-in or $12 with pre-registration. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Moving Towards Life - Movement, expressive arts and meditation practice for women who are facing life-threatening and or chronic illness. No prior art or dance experience necessary. Art supplies included. $30 pre-registration and sliding-scale fee is available based on ability to pay on a case-bay-case basis. The class is set for 12 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Setpember 25 at The Studio Maui 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Labyrinth Walk by Moonlight
Join a walking meditation patterned after the 14th Century labyrinth at Chatres Cathedral near Paris, France. A 45-minute explanation and history of the labyrinth precedes the 30 minute healing walk. Tea and cookies follow. St. John's Church, 8992 Kula Hwy. Keokea, Kula. Sunday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Contact: The Rev. Heather Mueller Fitch at 878-1485. 

Monday, Sept. 27
Wise Women Dancing - Women 50+ gather to celebrate their knowledge and inspire each other through dance and dialogue. Free form class with no instruction and great music is also free of charge. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., ongoing Mondays throughout Sept. at The Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku. Call 575-9390 to register or online at www.thestudiomaui.com.

Wednesday, Sept 29
Family Planning Clinic Tour for Teens - Protecting reproductive health and planning reproductive future are the goals of this informative experience recommended for girls age 12 and older. Learn what everyone needs to know to protect their reproductive health and plan their reproductive future. The event includes a tour of the clinic and information on how and when to use the clinic's family planning services. (Call to schedule a class for boys). Wednesday Sept. 29, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Upcountry Medical Center, 81-25 Makawao Avenue, Pukalani, Maui Call Family Planning Educator Joy Brann at 268-0130. 

Saturday, October 2
Attention all Breastfeeding Mothers
Latch on at 11 a.m.! Join the Second Annual Breastfeeding Challenge in Hawaii. The goal is to promote breastfeeding benefits to both mothers and infants and raise the number of babies being breastfed in Hawaii to the national average of 65 percent. The event will take place on Saturday, October 2 at Maui Memorial Medical Center auditorium, 221 Mahalani Street, Wailuku. Mothers and babies are asked to assemble at 10:30 a.m. For more information or to register, call Shawni Mendoza at 872-4034 or send email to ccmwic@mail.health.state.hi.us. This event occurs during the World Breastfeeding Celebration and is presented in Hawaii by the Breastfeeding Promotion Council of Hawaii, WIC, MothersCare, Department of Health, Maternal and Child Care Branch. Sponsors include Kaiser Permanente, The Queen's Medical Center, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and Maui Memorial Medical Center on Maui.

Wednesday, October 6
Mental Health Association in Maui County is sponsoring a Children & Youth Public Brown Bag Meeting at 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 6 at the Cameron Center Conference Room 2. The meeting is a follow up on its preliminary needs assessment of hospital and residential for children and youth completed earlier this year. Contact Colleen Wallace at 242-6461 for more information and to volunteer.

Saturday, November 6
Caregivers Conference -The caregivers conference provides respite care for caregivers and offers tips for managing the care of self and others. The conference is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 6, Maui Beach Hotel. Call Norma Circle at the Maui County Office on Aging to register or for more information, 270-7755.